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Women farmers leading and co-learning in an agroecology movement at the intersections of gender and climate
Get PDFThis study, carried out in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, was particularly interested in women farmers’ access to social learning spaces for expanding their knowledge about farming in the context of climate change. Small-scale women and peasant farmers face historical intersectional inequalities as a result of the colonial and apartheid past which has continued to disadvantage women in the present through exclusion, limited or no access to finance, insecure or no land tenure, little bargaining power and unequal access to water. The gender prejudices and unequal access to resources experienced by women is brought into sharp relief by climate change. The article provides a case study of an agroecology movement led by women farmers that promotes climate-appropriate, low-cost farming practices using community and home gardens. The practices are tried out and further developed by women farmers themselves, relying on agroecology-informed extension services, open dialogue and the support of communities of practice. Unlike traditional top-down approaches to farmer learning common in public extension services, extension officers in the movement participate in creating conditions for co-learning and co-construction of new knowledge − that is, social learning − thus responding directly to their needs as farmers. The lead researcher joined in and observed farming and learning activities following an ethnographic approach. Farmers and other movement members were engaged in semi-structured interviews which explored the value derived from social learning (Wenger-Trayner and Wenger-Trayner Citation2020). The article concludes that the movement is responding to many of the intersectional challenges that women farmers in the Eastern Cape face. Further, its social learning approach holds potential for expanding women farmers’ ability to provide for themselves and their communities and inform their climate change adaptation
Inner-city regeneration in South Africa : a property development approach
Get PDFWorldwide, the topic of inner-city decay and regeneration continues to attract a lot of attention from various parties and organisations. This is largely due to the fact that Central Business Districts (CBDs) remain the heartbeat of any city’s economic, social and political vibrancy. It therefore remains an ongoing process for the government and private stakeholders to keep on devising strategies aimed at revitalising the inner-city. The problem of urban decay is however experienced more in the developing third world and is characterised by high unemployment rates, high crime rates, depopulation, desolate-looking landscapes, abandonment of buildings, split families amongst others. Urban decay does not have one single cause, but rather a combination of many, including poor urban planning, redlining, poverty, suburbanization, and racial discrimination. These factors have resulted in urban sprawl as property owners preferred to migrate from the increasingly toxic social and economic environment that now became of the inner-city. The study seeks to investigate the current state of urban decay in South African CBDs with a case study of Gqeberha metro city, it also investigates current efforts and measures in place for regeneration and lastly, recommendations that have been put and continue to be put in place for inner-city regeneration. The state of inner-city infrastructure, property development finance options, town planning requirements and regulations and the investment case are other factors that have been investigated. Various other aspects of inner-city dynamics in the context of property development have been explored with findings from extensive literature review and structured interviews enabling the researcher to come up with recommendations for sustainable inner-city regeneration.Thesis (MSBE) --Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Women at work: A Muslim perspective
Get PDFGlobally, women, including Muslim women face challenges advancing within their careers. This is supported by research focusing on the advancement of women. However, a paucity of research exists, focusing on the factors contributing to specifically the success and advancement of Muslim women. This study therefore explored the factors impacting on the experienced career success of women, particularly Muslim women and sought to identify additional barriers faced by Muslim women in the work context. In addition, the study identified interventions that can be used to enhance their success. For the purpose of this study, experienced career success referred to the subjective view of success individuals hold of themselves in relation to their careers. The target population of this study included women and men, irrespective of religious orientation or ethnic profile who reside and work in South Africa (n=243). A self-administered online survey was developed and distributed via an electronic link to individuals within a professional network as well as on various social media platforms. In addition, the study was subjected to various statistical analyses, including an Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability, Multiple Correlations, and Group Comparisons using ANOVAs, Tukey HSD, Independent Sample t-tests and Cohen’s d. Moreover, the qualitative analysis included ATLAS.ti, a manual search and the use of word clouds to extract themes that were highlighted or emphasised in the empirical study. The main findings of this study suggest that there are various factors impacting on the experienced career success of Muslim women. Positive significant relationships were found between Internal Factors and Success Indicators, indicating that the higher the level of motivation, the more successful are Muslim women. In addition, Organisational Factors and Success Indicators showed a positive relationship, implying that the importance placed on career-related interventions and commitment from top management influence the success of Muslim women. A significant relationship was found between Organisational Success Strategies and Success Indicators which means that the more aware and exposed Muslim women are to the identified career-related interventions, the greater their success. x No relationships were evident between gender and success, nor were differences found in the responses of men and women, contrary to the perception that the extent to which the factors apply to men and women are different. Furthermore, a model was developed based on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence to assist in understanding the factors impacting on the experienced success of Muslim women. Additionally, strategies in the form of recommendations were advised with the aim of enhancing the experienced success of Muslim women. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the advancement of Muslim women in the South African context.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 202
Co phthalocyanine mediated electrochemical detection of the HER2 in the presence of Au and CeO2 nanoparticles and graphene quantum dots
Get PDFIn this work, cobalt tetra phenoxy acetic acid phthalocyanine (CoTAPc) is investigated as an electron mediator, immobilization platform for an HB5 aptamer and to enhance the electrochemical signal for the detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Furthermore, the CoTAPc was combined individually with sulphur/nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (SNGQDs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs), on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via sequential adsorption. The CoTAPc and SNGQDs were also π-π stacked, used for electrode modification similarly to the rest of the other surfaces and applied towards the electrochemical detection of HER2. The designed sensors were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The designed aptasensors showed detection limits as low as 6.0 pg/mL. The real life applicability of the designed aptasensors was tested in human serum samples. The aptasensors showed great storage stability, sensitivity and specificity towards HER2, implying great potential for applications in early diagnosis of breast cancer
Isidla sendodendala
No full textThe penis sheath worn by older men is a remarkable piece of traditional attire. This simple yet significant garment is crafted from tanned sheepskin and extends into a short streamer. Its plain leather material reflects the wisdom and dignity of its wearer. This traditional attire, with its lack of elaborate adornments, symbolises the enduring connection between generations and serves as a reminder of the passage of time, embodying cultural tradition and heritage.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Inqawe yomfazana
No full textThe maiden's pipe is a treasured heirloom, rich in tradition and history, despite its youthful owner. With years of use, the bowl bears the marks of time, supported by metal bands that ensure its durability. While the simple pipe provides solace and companionship in everyday life, the beaded pipes hold a special significance in ceremonial attire. Known as "cool pipes," they are reserved for important occasions, serving as decorative pieces that symbolize the event's importance. Each bead on these pipes tells a story, woven into elaborate patterns that reflect her people's cultural heritage and traditions. During ceremonial rituals, the maiden carries herself with poise and respect, honouring her ancestors' legacy and the pride of her lineage with every fragrant puff of smoke.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Isiyeye sabaThembu
No full textThe white bead strip adorned with two navy lines and intricate tree motifs, embellished with fringes of pink and green beads, signifies a profound blend of tradition and aspiration within the Thembu cultural group. Among the Thembu, the color pink symbolises old age, while green represents a desire for renewal, new life, or prosperity. Each pearl button, delicately placed, serves as a testament to the wearer's reverence for their heritage and their hopes for the future. Ornately tasseled bead streamers in shades of navy, white, and pink cascade elegantly, adding a touch of sophistication to this timeless piece. Worn with pride by adult men and women, this bead strip transcends mere adornment; it becomes a reflection of their values, aspirations, and connection to their cultural roots. As they don this intricate neckband, they carry with them the stories of their ancestors and the dreams of generations yet to come, embodying the resilience and spirit of the Thembu people.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Exploring challenges that hinder the effective rendering of formal education programmes at four correctional centresin South Africa
Get PDFThe study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Region and specifically in the Mthatha Management Area in a correctional services setting. The Eastern Cape is one of the most under-developed provinces of South Africa. The researcher was alarmed by the persistent dropout rate of offender learners, low engagement of offenders in education and training programmes as well as the diminishing zeal of prison educators to perform well in their area of delivery. The study used a qualitative research approach wherein a case study design was chosen. Six correctional services educators, eight learners, six security officials and four managers from four centres were purposively selected. The study used behaviourist theory as a theoretical lens; Behaviourism is also known as behavioural psychology for its potential to change both the social behaviours of offenders engaged in programmes and security officials’ perspective towards prison education and redeems educators’ self-esteem that will augment their enthusiasm to deliver on their area of specialisation. Data were collected through interviews and observation. The findings of the study indicate that the government has simply not rectified the imbalances of the past by rebuilding prisons to accommodate rehabilitative needs. This is one of the causes of the challenges experienced by prison educators. With a general shortage of educators, the ones employed are overloaded with work that goes beyond tuition and school administrative duties. The study revealed that an unconducive teaching and learning environment was characterized by the absence of classrooms for tuition, with cells and open courtyards being used, a severe shortage of educators, a lack of relevant teacher training as well as a lack of much-needed support from management. The researcher recommends that the Department of Correctional Services should put more effort into improving the conditions for education in correctional centres in historically-disadvantaged areas, recognise the education of offenders as a human right and employ and train more educators for a very unique correctional services setting in order to help rehabilitate offenders and prevent recidivism. vi KEY WORDS Prison educator, Recidivism, Reintegration, Illiteracy, Learner Offender, Rehabilitation, Incarceration, Courtyard, Custodial Official, Dropout, Hindrances, Training.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 202
Source of introduced populations of Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) into the Eastern Cape Province and the potential spread to other South African regions
Get PDFHuman movements globally have resulted in dispersal and introduction of terrestrial and marine organisms into areas outside of their native range. Species that have been introduced to new habitats can either be alien (not causing any harm to the new environment) or invasive alien species (destroying or competing with the indigenous species for resources). Investigating the source of these introductions is important as it provides baseline information about their biology and evolution. It also allows for better prevention measures for future invasions and for effective conservation strategies. In this study, I investigate the source of the introduced populations of tropical house geckos Hemidactylus mabouia in the Eastern Cape Province using two mitochondrial gene regions, ribosomal 16S and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4). We also look at the potential spread of these species using species distribution models (SDMs). The phylogeny showed that the introduced populations into the Eastern Cape were genetically similar to both H. mabouia lineages found in Central & Southern Africa. The phylogeny produced two clades from which the majority of the introduced samples were grouped in a clade with samples from Angola, DRC, and Mozambique, and only a few nested within the second clade with the South African native population. Haplotype networks from both genes also showed two clades, matching those found in the phylogeny. The introduced samples were associated with samples from Angola and those from South Africa (native) as these localities had a number of shared haplotypes. SDMs showed less evidence that these individuals could naturally move west down the coast as the probability of occurrence was below 0.4 from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape. Our conclusion was that the introductions may be due to multiple avenues like species moving down the east coast or human translocation including trade routes. From this we can conclude that geckos are largely translocated through human movement as they are known for their opportunistic behaviours as they are commensal with humans.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 202
Biological longitudinal aspects of the Kabompo River, a significant tributary of the upper Zambezi sub-catchment, North-west Province, Zambia
Get PDFThe landscape of the Upper Zambezi Catchment in the remote North-Western Province of Zambia retains many natural features, but current and future anthropogenic activities threaten its integrity. Lack of information relating to the basic ecological functioning of the region hampers conservation efforts. Flooding from the adjacent woody-savanna and open grasslands in the Upper-Zambezi Catchment in the wet season drives crucial processes in the aquatic ecosystems such as the Kabompo River. This thesis describes aquatic food webs and describes the nutrient cycling in this river. A general introduction was based on the seasonality, river morphology, and biodiversity of the Kabompo River. There is no aquatic food web information available on this river. To address this knowledge gap, sampling of the principal food web components– vegetation, invertebrates, and fish – were collected in the dry season from August to September 2019 across six sites in the Kabompo River. Stable isotope analyses provided proxies for the food web structure at each site, and were the basis of longitudinal comparisons. The analyses suggest that the Kabompo River food webs follow the trophic ordination and nutrient cycling characteristic of the revised-Riverine Productivity Model. Food webs and community assemblages remain structurally similar between sites and provide some evidence of bottom-up productivity-driven trophic dynamics. To predict the possible landscape-scale processing of nutrient changes present for the aquatic ecosystems of the Kabompo River, a longitudinal comparison between a herbivore, Labeo cylindricus, and omnivore, Synodontis spp., fish species and their resources (primary producers and invertebrates) was done and showed archetypal fish food web trophic separation (2 ‰ to3 ‰) between species which remains consistent for the headwater sites. The nutrient values change at the convergence between the Kabompo Bridge and the Mwinilunga branches and show a decrease in the trophic separation of the sites below. This change becomes apparent from the last site, Watopa, where the trophic separation re-establishes (2 ‰ to 3 ‰) between the species. The trend suggests primarily autochthonous production in the headwater reaches, changing to allochthonous and autochthonous nutrient incorporation after the convergence of the two main branches. Permanent wetlands surrounding the convergence zones may be conducive to more primary producer activity and increased nutrient turnover. Permanent wetlands are a common feature of the Upper Zambezi Catchment tributaries, with the most notable lentic system the Barotse Flood Plains in the south, which shares reach-adjacent characteristics with the Kabompo River. Trends from the 2015 dry season identified for the Barotse Flood Plains support the findings of this thesis, where the δ13C values recorded reach depletion of -45 ‰. Management in the Upper Zambezi Basin and the Kabompo River comprises biannual assessments of water quality and quantity by the Zambezi River Authority, but not of the ecosystem process. This thesis may provide information to address the ecological (food webs and nutrient cycling) dynamics of the Basin rivers. As the first baseline information on the river's biology and ecology, it may present a comparative basis for future assessments under conservation management strategies.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 202